Government Records Stop wasting your time and start tracking down your desired information.

Here are three easy things you can do to shift the odds in your favor when fighting a Michigan traffic ticket.

1. Courtesy to the Police Officer

Your average traffic officer deals with many people in his or her typical eight-hour shift. A single officer can write a ticket every ten minutes with computerized ticket writing.  Most people receiving a ticket are angry, sad or upset.  That’s where some make a mistake.  They make a mistake when they quarrel or, worse yet, are rude to the officer.
The key, however, is to remain calm and not offend the officer. Treat the officer respectfully and politely. It’s a good idea to relate your version of the events to the officer in a respectful manner.
Why? Getting the police officer’s cooperation is often vital to getting a good outcome for your traffic ticket. If you are discourteous, the officer may write this on the copy of the ticket forwarded to the prosecutor. If the prosecutor sees this on the ticket, or if the police officer tells the prosecutor that you were rude, the prosecutor will often not offer you a reduction.  For example, the prosecutor will refuse to offer you a reduction to a zero-point infraction.

2. Fight Every Ticket

The Secretary of State keeps a database of everyone’s driving record. If you receive a traffic ticket conviction in a court, the court will, in most cases, send a record of your conviction to the Secretary of State so they can insert it to your driving record. Since your insurance company can view the Secretary of State records, this can cause costly insurance rate increases.

In my opinion, it’s important to fight every ticket. This is the only way you can possibly attempt to keep your driving record clean. Why? It’s important to recognize that prosecutors have a copy of your driving record when you go to court. If the prosecutor sees that you have received tickets on your record, she will be less likely to offer you a reduced ticket. It’s similar to individuals with criminal records. If it’s your first offense, you can often get a plea to a reduced charge. If you have prior offenses,it is harder to receive a reduced charge offer.

3.  Hire an Attorney that Regularly Handles Traffic Tickets
The saying “been there, done that” certainly applies in this case.  A traffic ticket attorney can be very helpful.  An attorney can try to negotiate a successful plea reduction or, if necessary, argue your case to the judge.

Disclaimer: The information you obtain in this article is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice nor the formation of an attorney-client relationship. You should consult a lawyer for individual advice regarding your own situation.

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Few things are as distressing as finding out that you have been the victim of identity theft. It can take years of work to undo the damage caused by identity theft, and unlike other, more personal crimes, you can’t very well use a stun gun to prevent being targeted.

Fortunately, there is much you can do proactively to avoid making identity theft easy for the perpetrators.

Destroy Documents in a Timely Manner

There are some documents that simply make it very easy for someone to steal your identity. Credit card statements, medical bills and anything that has your social security number upon it should be shredded as a matter of course. Eliminate any old credit card receipts, junk mail offers, plus any other documers that contain your personal information on it.

Be Alert to Shoulder Surfers

There are some places where shoulder surfing is particularly common. Popular locations typically include the phone booth, a computer at work, or even the ATM. Cover up the keypad or keep a button on your computer assigned to dim the screen immediately if you feel someone is looking on. 

The latest trick is for people to use their cell phones to video you while you enter PIN numbers at the ATM. A quick enlargement gives them your number, and all that is left is to pick your pocket to access your bank accounts.

Destroy Your Digital Files

If you keep personal data on your computer, destroy the files as soon as you have finished using them. Also, be very careful about using your computer in a public space. Even though it may seem tempting to take a minute at your favorite coffee shop, while utilizing their open network to finish your work, it is also a likely spot where your computer could be open to a possible virtual attack.

Keep An Eye On Your Banking Statements Every Month

Thankfully this remains to be the easiest way to obtain your personal identification. Not long ago, I paid someone by check and they used that check to have a set of checks printed with their name instead. When a couple of checks came in out of order and with the wrong information upon them, I quickly noticed because I check my statement each month. A small problem was solved almost instantly. If I didn’t look at my statements, who knows how much I would have lost.

Find Out Your Credit Report Every Year

The government has stated that three major credit companies must give you a free credit report once a year. Get it and check to see that no incorrect information has been attached. However, it is necessary to remember that errors do occur, which can end up being innocent. On the other hand, if a person has gone through your mailbox and stolen your credit card in your name, this is an ideal way to catch them. Don’t let their bad habits ruin your name.

Just like a stun gun jolt, or even pepper spray to the eyes, the damage that is delivered by identity theft although temporary, is painful. Luckily you can quickly and easily fix the situation, even if time and effort are called for.

Technorati Tags: identity theft, legal, pepper spray, Stun gun

Posted under Miscellaneous Content